Meaning of 'Summer, Highland Falls'

by Billy Joel

Interpretation

"Summer, Highland Falls" by Billy Joel is a song that explores the different emotions and challenges of life. The lyrics express the idea that we are trapped in our situations and can experience either sadness or euphoria.

The song begins with the singer saying that these may not be the best times, but they are the only times he's ever known. He believes that there is a time for meditation in our own cathedrals, meaning that everyone can find their own ways to find peace and tranquility.

The lyrics also touch on a sad surrender in the eyes of a loved one. The singer can only empathize and cannot actively help. This shows that sometimes we are powerless when it comes to other people's problems.

The line "We are always what the situations give us" expresses that we are often influenced by our circumstances and can be either sad or euphoric.

The lyrics also note that we often fight and make compromises, but in the end, nothing changes. Our experiences may be different, but our conclusions are often the same.

The song also addresses the inhumanity of people and how our reason coexists with our madness. We must choose between reality and madness, and once again there is either sadness or euphoria.

The lyrics also criticize how frivolously we waste our energies and may not be able to fulfill the other's fantasies. Despite our similarities, we stand on the edge of our lives and must accept that there is either sadness or euphoria.

Overall, "Summer, Highland Falls" is about the ups and downs of life and how we deal with our emotions and challenges. It encourages us to find our own ways to find peace and accepts that sometimes there is only sadness or euphoria."